Our post about How to wear this Spring’s Top fashion trends if you are over 40 was such a hit that we were flooded with questions about other upcoming trends. This week we thought we’d answer a few for you. So here’s: 5 Ways to Look Fashionable this Spring when you are over 40.
Question # 1 Cut out shoes
I’ve noticed a lot of shoes with dramatic cut outs and straps appearing in the magazines. I like them because they are so different and would love to try a pair, but wonder if they are they too trendy because I’m over 40. Also, what do you wear them with? …..Catherine
Hi Catherine,
What you are seeing is really updated strappy sandals that have more of a gladiator or cage feel, as they are also calling it. They’re great for women of all ages. The trick is getting a pair that isn’t too over the top.
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Stay away from styles that are too clunky and junky. Wedges, straps, buckles, zippers… too much going on here for gals over 40. |
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Yes
These Tory Burch gladiator pumps are much more refined and age appropriate. |
No No!
Also beware of gladiator sandals that come too high up…. tacky. These are horrible!
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Metallics are hot, but these are too just too bright to be classy. |
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Yes
See how much nicer these toned down metallics are… |
… and how great they go with a cute wrap dress like this. The gold shoe is considered a neutral and will elongate your legs!
Dear Glam Gals,
Is there a “season” for wearing animal print shoes? I just bought a pair of Magdesian fabric cheetah peep toe wedge sandals. But I have been told that animal prints are only for the Fall…even though these are sandals! Can I wear animal print in other seasons?
Thanks,
J
Hi, J! No – we think animal prints can be worn all year! The style of the shoe is more important for dictating the season a shoe can be worn in, moreso than the print or the color. Since sandals are appropriate for the Spring and Summer, you will be fine. Just watch out for the fabric of the shoe – if it is very shiny, it may only be right for a dressy outfit or an evening out.
You’ve bought a great new outfit, now it’s time for the shoes. But with more choices than ever before it can be overwhelming knowing what to pick. How can you tell if you’re getting it right? Here are 7 Spring styles and the shoes that make them sizzle.
Outfit #1
1) Easy Shorts + Feminine Footwear
This year, shorts are softer and more relaxed and look great paired with tops that flow, like this green peasant blouse. The look is soft and pretty, rather than crisp and sporty, so calls for feminine footwear like these sparkling jeweled thongs set against metallic suede. The heavy cluster of jewels also helps balance out the blouson look on top.
Outfit #2
2) Safari shirt-dress + lively shoe
This easy to wear shirt dress is great alternative to shorts, when you want to go out shopping or work from home and still be cool and comfortable. Sandals will work with this dress but are predictable. Why not try a cute leopard peep toe flat or interesting cork wedge with a burst of unexpected color to liven things up? You need an interesting shoe because the dress is so plain.
Outfit #3
3) White pants + metallic sandal
A bold graphic print tunic over white or black ankle length pants, is a sophisticated and elegant look for us over 40 gals. When there’s lots happening up top, you don’t need much going on around your toes. While you might be tempted to choose a white flat sandal to go with this look, it can be a bit too matchy matchy. Metallics are the hot new neutral, so a simple silver or gold sandal will complement the look and add a dash of glamour.
In fact, we bet once you buy some great metallic sandals you love, you’ll end up wearing them with almost everything in your closet (like this cute ombre sun dress)!
Outfit #4
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4) Mod Dress and Matching Shoe
Here’s a cool choice for a summer dinner. This 70’s style halter dress calls for either flat, barely there sandals (if you want that “just wandered in from the beach look”), or something slightly higher for a dressier look. This model is wearing a brown sandal with a small heel. We say go with the retro flow and try these gold leather and tortoise shell sandals. With their mod chunky heel, they are low enough to be comfortable, but will definitely kick your style up a notch.
Outfit #5
5) Monochromatic look + Pop of Color shoes
Head to toe color is always a winner since it is slimming and classy. But this season to be at the top of your game, it looks very youthful and modern to inject just a small pop of color. These powerful ruby peep toe pumps draw the eye downward and add a dash of excitement. A conservative look that hints at your wild side.
Outfit #6
6) Color Blocking + Elegant shoe
Color blocking is the trend this spring making this red and black combo a perfect choice. Bright colors like red command attention, putting the focus on your face. Why fight it, by wearing a bright matching shoe that tries to compete and makes you look like striped flag? Instead, opt for a black shoe, like this refined and sexy black pump below, or try neutral toned high heels in a shade close to your skin tone (a subtle leopard print would work too if you wanted a touch of drama). Wearing a red shoe may be tempting, but it will chop you up and make you look shorter. As for pantyhose, wear nude or sheer black with a black shoe and nude only with a nude or animal print shoe.
Outfit #7
7) Dress with Pizzazz+ Shoes with Pizzazz
We’re seeing a lot of bold graphic prints this season that are flirty and fun. This pretty halter dress is being shown with a black mule, which does work. However for our liking, we prefer these sexy nude shoes. Like the dress they have some attitude but the pale shade keeps them elegant and elongates the leg.
Planning a trip down south and wondering what to pack?
Banish your winter blues and update your vacation wardrobe with some gorgeous new styles from the 2008 cruise wear collections. This year we’re seeing florals of every imaginable kind, vibrant hues, as well as geometric and exaggerated prints that pop. Look out for paint splatter patterns, transparent fabrics, and ethnic everywhere, plus crisp khakis.
The magazines are full of inspiration, but there’s always that problem – how do you know if what looks great on a twenty something, will look as good on a woman like you, who may be twice that age?
Here are 3 cruise wear trends you CAN wear after 40, guaranteed to make you look hip on your holidays.
1. Gladiator Sandals
Stylish, not sensible...
Don’t let these over the top, sky high sandals that you’ve been seeing on wild child celebs and long legged super models scare you away from this hot new trend. Grecian inspired sandals are the “it” resort footwear this year and if you are over 40 you can easily wear one of the many more refined offerings out there.
Pella Moda Vixen
High White – Low White
Leave this tall,funky white pair to jr. fashionistas and instead try this classy, wearable version from Pelle Moda Vixen at $112.
Frye Lola Gladiator Thong
Gold Gladiator Sandals
Metallics continue to be the hot new neutral. A chic pair by Manolo Blahnik made for the jet set is a great choice to go with most anything from pants to shorts and dresses. You can also never go wrong this less expensive version from Frye. They’re a classic and a great price at $55.00!
2. Mini Sundresses
Thigh high sundresses are everywhere you look, and how cute they are! But try one on after 40 and you’ll look and feel you are missing your pants! Unless you have great slim, toned legs (and you pair your mini with flats) this too short style will make you look little girlish instead of chic.
Color Block Dress
Not Too Short Mini
The key is to take a close look at the hemline that suits your particular legs. We’re talking vacation wear here so you can definitely go a little shorter than normal if your legs are o.k., but absolutely not more than 4 inches above the knee or you’ll look desperate. Also keep in mind that spaghetti straps can be harder to wear after a certain age because the arms are much softer and fleshier, so if that is the case look for dresses with wider straps or have a little shrug on hand to cover up a touch.
In some instances if the dress is very short, loose and flowy like this Vince Sundress for $195, you can pair it with leggings. It takes confidence to wear this look without having that deja vu feeling that you are wearing maternity clothes.
VonFurstenburg Sundress
Two Good Longer Options
The best idea is to just keep looking because there are other options out there besides the baby doll mini. Here’s one in pink by Lily Pulitzer for $268.00 and another by Diane von Furstenberg at $365.
3. Very Sexy Bathing Suits
You’ll have no problem finding racks of brightly colored, and metallic sparkly bikinis, microkinis and racy monokinis out there (one piece swimsuits with revealing cutouts), because most manufacturers cater to the college crowd. Even if you still have a pretty great body, you’re best to go for something that signals sexy instead of screams it all the way down the beach.
Glamorous Red Bathing Suit
Old school Hollywood glamour is a big trend. It’s a sexy sophisticated option for women over 40.
Color Blocked Swimwear
Color blocked swimwear is also hot this year. It’s a godsend when you want to play down a not so favorite part of the body but emphasize your best assets. Wear the dark half wherever you want to camouflage and the light half whatever you want to highlight. This suit would be perfect for someone who is heavier on the bottom but wants to play up her bust. ($212)
Juicy Halter Swimdress
Cute Brown Bathing Suit
Here’s a similar look by Juicy Couture. The rusching on this suit is a great way to hide a tummy.
Art Deco Print Swimsuit
Swimwear with Patterns
Solids are always slimming but don’t think they are the only way to go. Patterns like this art deco themed swim suit are big ($172), as well as exotic ethnic prints. This fun Africa motif bathing suit from Great Lengths does a great job of drawing the eye away from the thick part of your waist and tummy and up towards your face.($94)
Plunging necklines also abound but think twice if you are too big busted, you’ll look saggy if the v is too deep. Better to opt for more support on top and go for a slightly higher V.
You may be doing a great job keeping up your pedicures, but have you really looked at what you’re slipping your tootsies into these days?
If you want to stay updated, it’s important to make sure you’re not still wearing last season’s trends.
We’ve found a great on line source for some gorgeous high end shoes called Simply Soles. This website makes shopping for shoes super easy and it has exclusive brands that you won’t see on every street corner shop. Best of all you can search all the shoes by size! (even if you are a size 12!!) Simply Soles specializes in flats and low heels. All year, they run specials on selected styles.
So, click here for a fun shoe experience and to get some inspiration to add to that ever growing stash of soles:www.simplysoles.com
Even if you were born with the “style gene”, it’s tricky to figure out what shoes to match with what. This summer put your best foot forward, as we bring young 7 of the hottest shoe styles, plus ideas for how to pull an outfit together around them.
1. Ballet slippers
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Simple and chic, the ballet flat can be a great look great with walking shorts and even a nice flowing knee length skirt. Stick with neutral colored flats to help visually elongate your legs. Colored flats look great with straight leg jeans. Ballet flats are perfect for travel especially if you are going to be doing a lot of walking. Look for the elasticized fold up ones that slip easily into the corner of any suitcase. Stay away from bows and bright colors in this style, since it will come across as too youthful and silly for us gals over 40.
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2. Sandals
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The less dressed you are, the less shoe you need. That’s why airy flat sandals, sandals with tiny kitten heels (or even glitzed up flip flops) work best with full blown summer looks that says casual and relaxed. Pair sandals with breezy sundresses, shorts, or loose linen pants. Resist the temptation to wear them to the office no matter how comfortable they are as too much skin diminishes your credibility an authority. Steer away from boring brown or beige run of the mill sandals. Instead choose sandals that say “now”. Metallic colors, a little glitz or shine work with almost anything and take you beautifully from day into night. |
3. Summer Pumps
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For business, weddings or any other more conservative affair, choose pumps in keeping with the lightness and brightness of summer. That means navy, beige, cream or light colored shoes with finer vrs. chunkier, heavier heels. Shoes with delicate cutouts or sling backs also look professional,but summery too. Spectator pumps in black and white or cream and tan are a classic that will never let you down. |
4. Wedges
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The wedge is the perfect shoe to update your wardrobe with. It looks youthful and fresh and works with almost everything from shorts to skirts, capris and pants. Other combinations include patent leather paired with a cork wedge, canvas paired with a rope wedge and brightly colored leather paired with a lucite wedge. An added bonus- wedges are soooo comfortable to walk in! |
5. Platform
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Platforms are great, especially for shorter gals. They add height, yet are still relatively easy to walk in. Platforms can go from casual to dressy depending on the shoe. Stay away from platforms that are too heavy and clunky or you’ll end up looking like your teenage daughter. The thinner the platform the classier the look. (Some of the latest models come with platforms built right into the shoe so you don’t see them on the outside- a good option too). If you want to attract attention, just wear a platform with an A-line shirt, cotton shirt and fitted jacket, and enjoy the compliments. |
6. Dress shoes
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Never underestimate the power of a shoe-especially a dress shoe. Take a simple summer dress, match it with flip flops and you have one look. Then pair it with some killer summer heels and you totally change the feel of your outfit. This season you can bring out a touch of your wild side by stepping out in dressy, sexy animal print shoes. They are a great way to jazz up a monochromatic outfit or dress. Also popular are high heels in metallics and peek a boo shoes that tease you with a show of toes. Don’t forget to get a good pedicure!
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7. Sporty casual (running shoe)
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To look youthful, you’ve got to look current. So dump those boring heavy, white workout sneakers and experiment with trendier,sporty shoes. The sneaker is a great solution to being comfortable but can be hard to pull off. Check out some designer styles for some inspirations. Look for a pair that is lightweight and in your favorite color. Then you can wear them with walking shorts, khakis, a nice sweat suit or perhaps a lightweight colorful straight leg jean. |
For more help picking out the perfect shoes try Shoes-o-matic. Shoes-o-matic is a really fun tool. Just enter in your specifications, and up will pop an applicable suggestion. Click here to check it out!
Over Spring break, had a chance to shop in charming Charleston, NC, where I happened to wander into a refreshing new shoe boutique. It is called Farushga and it carries the most gorgeous and unique hand crafted Italian shoes!
When I am looking for shoes, I want not too high a heel but one that is still sexy but that I can walk in, without my feet pooping out in 5 mins.
Eva Mahgrefteh, the owner was oozing with enthusiasm over all her special brands that only she and a few other stores in the US carry. The ones I ended up getting were 3 1/2 inch nude sandals from Gianna Meliani.
According to Ms. Mahgrefteh, the nude shoe is the hot item of the season, with its ability to match almost everything in your closet, while making your leg look longer and sleeker! Can’t beat a sales pitch like that one…sure sold me!
Farushga
377-A King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843- 722-3131
www.farushgashoes.com
Draw on any color in this floaty top and you’ll be sure to have a winning look. The yellow gladiator sandals add some excitement. Just don’t go out and also get a matching yellow purse, jewelry or anything else yellow, or you’ll overdo it!
They’re the perfect choice for this wonderful billowy silk caftan… not too loud but they make a statement.
